Celebrity News April 15, 2019
Lori Loughlin Pleads Not Guilty in College Cheating Case
SplashNews
Actress Lori Loughlin and husband Mossimo Giannulli are surprising everyone with their latest legal moves.
On Monday morning, the couple did not appear in court, but entered not guilty pleas in court papers obtained by “Extra.” The docs noted that they also waived their right to appear in court in an arraignment.
Last week, Lori and Mossimo were among 16 parents who have been charged — in a second, superseding indictment — with one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and honest services mail and wire fraud, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. If found guilty, the couple could face a maximum of 40 years in prison, 20 years for each charge.
As for why Lori had not reached a plea deal before the second indictment, a source told E! News, “She has been in complete denial and thought maybe she could skate by. She refused to accept any jail time and thought the DA was bluffing. She was adamant she wouldn't do any jail time."
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Why Lori Loughlin Rejected Plea Deal Before Second Indictment
View StoryAccording to court documents, Loughlin and Giannulli "agreed to pay bribes totaling $500,000 in exchange for having their two daughters designated as recruits to the USC crew team — despite the fact that they did not participate in crew — thereby facilitating their admission to USC."
Felicity Huffman recently pleaded guilty for her involvement in the scandal. In a statement, she said, “I am in full acceptance of my guilt, and with deep regret and shame over what I have done, I accept full responsibility for my actions and will accept the consequences that stem from those actions.”
